We’ve put together a simple visual guide to identifying the Carcano rifles. While there are only a handful of models, the caliber and fitting variations are numerous. Remember, what is presented here is just enough information to be dangerous. As we can lay hands on individual models and variations we’ll try to fill in the details. Otherwise, please enjoy this Carcano identification guide.

Model 1891 Fucile Modello 91

Length

50.56″

Barrel Length

30.69″

Weight

8.44 lbs

Sights

300 meters and adjustable 600-2,000

Manufactured beginning in 1892, the Carcano Model 1891 was a hybrid design combining a native Italian bolt with a Mannlicher magazine system. Gain twist rifling was used to extend the barrel life of this and all subsequent Carcano rifles until the Model 1938. This rifle should be chambered for 6.5x52mm, although a rare few were converted in Austria to 6.5x54mm MS. Manufacturing stopped in 1918, however a few were made at Beretta between 1937-1940 before the creation of the Model 1941. More about this rifle can be read here.

Model 1891 Cavalry Moschetto Modello 91 da Cavalleria

Length

36.25″

Barrel Length

17.63″

Weight

6.88 lbs

Sights

300 meters and adjustable 600-1,500

Adopted in 1893, this carbine was meant to serve Italy’s cavalry units. It’s handy size and weight found it a home in many other branches, including paratroops. This carbine features a permanently attached, folding spike bayonet. M1891 Cavalry production was halted after WWI but resumed from 1932-1938. This carbine should only be chambered in 6.5x52mm.

Model 1891 T.S. Moschetto Modello 91 per Truppe Speciali

Length

36.31″

Barrel Length

17.69″

Weight

6.53 lbs

Sights

300 meters and adjustable 600-1,500

Manufacturing of this specialist carbine began in 1898. The TS was intended to serve as a handy rifle for non-infantry units such as artillery units. Early models were paired with a side-mounting bayonet that rotated into position. This was later abandoned and a standard M91 bayonet. Production halted in 1919. The caliber should always be 6.5x52mm.

Model 91/24 Moschetto Modello 91/24

Length

36.25″

Barrel Length

17.81″

Weight

6.53 lbs

Sights

300 meters and adjustable 600-1,500

From 1924 to 1929 approximately 260,000 M1891 long rifles were converted into T.S. pattern carbines. Early models may have been drilled out and had new rifled tubes inserted, but most conversions just meant cutting down the barrel and re-crowning. These carbines can be spotted easily as they still have the longer rifle rear sight base. These rifles should only be found in 6.5x52mm.

Model 91/28 Moschetto Modello 91/28

Length

36.06″

Barrel Length

17.94″

Weight

6.81 lbs

Sights

300 meters and adjustable 600-1,500

This is simply a new production model 91/24, although some original M91 T.S. rifles were restocked to the M91/28 pattern. Rear sights bases are shorter like original carbines. Caliber should be 6.5x52mm. Few rifles were produced for use with the M28 grenade launcher, which was quickly discontinued. Produced from 1928-1938.

Model 38 Fucile Modello 91/38

Length

40.12″

Barrel Length

21.06″

Weight

7.44 lbs

Sights

200 meter fixed sights

The Model 1938 marked the wholesale adoption of short rifle and carbine doctrine for Italian military forces. Very early rifles lack a lower barrel band and have long, uninterrupted hand guards that extend to the bayonet lug. First paired with a folding knife bayonet, these were later converted or new-made in a fixed form. Many rifles were sold to Finland and will feature an SA mark on the barrel.

This rifle was introduced in the new 7.35x51mm cartridge but later reverted to 6.5x52mm because of logistical issues in the Italian military. Caliber may be determined by reading the rear sight. Some rifles were later converted by the German military to emergency rifles in 7.92x57mm. These will have the caliber marked on the barrel.

Model 38 Cavalry Moschetto Modello 91/38 Cavalleria

Length

36.06″

Barrel Length

17.63″

Weight

6.62 lbs

Sights

200 meter fixed sights*

Model 1938 Cavalry carbines mirrored original M91 cavalry carbines but featured fixed sights. *FNA-Brescia did return to the adjustable rear sight (200 meter battle sight with 600-1500 meter adjustable) when they began producing in 6.5x52mm again. Some may have stocks previously produced and unused for the M91/28 rifles intended to equip the M28 grenade launcher. These will feature prominent replacement wood fittings in a bid to recycle raw materials. Produced until 1944.

This rifle was introduced in the new 7.35x51mm cartridge but later reverted to 6.5x52mm because of logistical issues in the Italian military. Caliber may be determined by reading the rear sight. Some rifles were later converted by the German military to emergency rifles in 7.92x57mm. These will have the caliber marked on the barrel. Additionally, some were converted to 7.92x57mm post war in attempts to market to the middle east. These will be marked on the rear sight and the stock.

Model 38 T.S. Moschetto Modello 91/38 Truppe Speciali

Length

36.5″

Barrel Length

17.75″

Weight

6.37 lbs

Sights

200 meter fixed sights

This is a continuation of the original M91 T.S. carbine and featured in the same specialty roles. All versions feature simplified, fixed rear sights. Production continued until at least 1943, perhaps into 1944.

This rifle was introduced in the new 7.35x51mm cartridge but later reverted to 6.5x52mm because of logistical issues in the Italian military. Caliber may be determined by reading the rear sight. Additionally, some were converted to 7.92x57mm post war in attempts to market to the middle east. These will be marked on the rear sight and the stock.

Model 1941 Fucile Modello 41

Length

46″

Barrel Length

27.19″

Weight

8.5 lbs

Sights

300 meters and adjustable 300-1,000

Having failed to convert to the 7.35x51mm cartridge, Italy also began to regret their short-rifle-fixed-sights-only campaign. Some Model 1891 production began again, but it was a strain on resources. The M1941 was slightly shorter and used the carbine-style adjustable rear sight. Because of the Italian surrender in 1943, many of these rifles did not see service and can often be found in mint condition. Others, however, were manufactured under German occupation. Production continued until 1944.

Some rifles were converted by the German military to emergency rifles in 7.92x57mm. These will have the caliber marked on the barrel.

Japanese Type I Tipo I

Length

50.75″

Barrel Length

30.75″

Weight

8.75 lbs

Sights

Arisaka, 400-2400 meters

The Type I (pronounced “eye”) rifle was purchased by the Japanese Navy in order to free up Arisaka Type 38 rifles for Imperial infantry. It is a basic Carcano action nested in Italian-made copies of Type 38 stocks, magazines, sights, etc… Produced 1938-1939. More about this rifle can be read here.

Not sure if my first message went through but I have two carcanos and would like your help identifying them and their calibres.
The first is an original long rifle that has DH5193 on both the breech and the stock. It also has the notch in the wood in front of the rear sight like the picture of the 41.
The second one looks sporterized with a shorer barrell and no wood on top of the barrell at all. I has EL7920 on the breech and what appears to be DI5454 on the stock. Any help would be greatly appreciated and would like to know the calibres if possible.
Thank you

The only two long rifles (outside of the Japanese contract Type I) are the 1891 and 1941. If you have a rear sight about 1-1.5 inches long folded it is the 41. If it is closer to 3 inches long folded it is the earlier 1891. Either would have been 6.5 originally but never assume the caliber of a gun. Take it to a gunsmith.

Sporterized Carcano carbines can the notoriously hard to identify at a glance. If the stock does not match we can disregard it entirely. What sort of sights does it have? This is the first question to narrowing any model down.

Thanks for the information and so far they boh appear to be the 1891 because both sifghts measure about 3 1/4 inches long when laid down.and the sights appear to be identical in the way he work and the size. The longer rifle has a lug under the sight and a long groove in the understock that I assume was for a bayonet. thanks for your help and will now have to take your advice and find a gunsmith who knows the carcano

And one last item that may be a clue, I have several cartridges that are necked down and just short of 3 in. long. Very difficult to read but on the outside base of the casing is what I believe to be SML and opposite to that 5RG? The bullets when put into the barrell end of the guns will not go into the shorter (sporterized) gun but will fit into the more original looking longer gun. Thanks again.

Just got a reference to your website from another Carcano owner (his is an 8mm conversion of the 38)……great info. I have become very impressed with the 4 Carcano converted “sporters” to which I have added nicely bore centered side-mounted scopes……once the sighting system is good they shoot very well, reliably and accurately thru short to medium distances (100-250m) and are a light, small, rugged rifle that is great for deer or other small to medium game. With the low recoil and light weight they are a great rifle for anyone especially youth and ladies. Best of all the receivers are easy to drill and the design is very forgiving when the bolt channel is altered. The sporterizing conversions of the 1950s and 1960s really reduced the utility of these rifles but a small investment in a better sighting will undo much of the bad press they have received. I have had good success using Carcano 6.5x52mm Privi Partizan ammo that have the .264″ diameter bullets, likewise for the Privi 6.5x54mm MS………overall they are a very good rifle!

I own a model 38 Fucile Modello 91/38, it is dated 1939XV11 and markings on barrel are crown over RE, SA, SD, TIN, UV8769, and 1896. All metal is Nickel except bayonet lug, barrel band, sights,and magazine are Brass. The color of the stock is between burgundy & eggplant and I have no idea what i’m looking at.Do you have any thoughts about what this rifle was used for?
Thank you,
James

I own a M41 in 6.5 mm and am curious about the dimensions of the front sight base on all other Carcano 1891 variants. I suspect they could all be the same especially if in 6.5 mm caliber like my 41. Some carbine variants with bayonet fixed to the nose cap could be different. Could you shed some light on this subject? I am curious because I am trying to build a front sight adjusting tool for my M41 and wonder if it would work for other 1891 variants. Many thanks in advance.

hi there Othasis – you seem to know a ton about these carbines, so maybe you can help me identify mine? At first I thought it was a M38 because of the ’round chamber’ which I read is an identifier of the later cavalry carbines. But then I read that my adjustable site *with the weird notch just ahead of it on the stock* and permeant fixed (but folding) bayonet, means it’s an M1891 … so now i’m confused because you guys are talking about a M4!??? Can i send you pics of mine so i know if it’s 6.5 or 7.35 ??? Thanks!!

I could send you a diagram with detailed measurements. It’s a scanned pic file with front and side view of the front sight base of the M41 in 6.5. I don’t know how to attach it to this form. If you could provide an email address, I’ll send it to you. Thanks for the help.

Hello, I just acquired a model 1891, at least from my research this is what it appears to be, the top of the barrel is not hexagon like I see others it is rounded and has what appears to be the markings FAFT 68, and then in larger lettering BA 1346 on both the barrel and the stock, the sights lay out to about 3″ and it has a bayonet on the front with a threaded round mounted just under the barrel. Just curious if I’m correct about the model and what year production on this in relation to the serial numbers, thank you, I can email pics as well.

hey i was wondering i have a 91 barreled action and wanted to know if it would fit in a m38 carbine stock i know the barrel will hang pass the bayonet lug a fewinches i just wanted to know if it would work

I have a carcano rifle that does not have a bolt or clip I think it is a m91 some help would be good so I get the right parts at the octagon part in between rear sight and breech the markings from holding gun left to right on the octagon part AT 18 terni BH 9107 and two proof marks first is SG in a circle and the other cant tell what it is looks like a shield or crown in a circle the crown or shield proof mark is also on the breech as well as LA in a circle under the rear sight is also some numbers under filp site where sight bolts to barrel has xx 17 and on the barrel a couple x x 7 and y they stamped on barrel under sight

I just acquire a Cavalry Carbine, a Model 91/38, and there’s about a 1/4 to 1/2 inch play vertically and horizontally in the spike bayonet. There’s lots of tension in the lock/push button and there doesn’t appear to be obvious wear in the metal channel or bayonet where it attaches. Is there a way to fix the sloppiness or is this normal. I had another recently that was perfectly tight but I mistakenly traded it back for my VZ 24 Mauser. Any ideas? Thanks

A little play when folded is not unusual but this sounds excessive. The lock can be dismantled. I would go that route and check for wear. It may also be that an out of spec part was swapped in at some point as there were different lock types over the years and perhaps slight variations in tang.

Receiver: R. E. TERNI 1941 XIX RU353
Sight: Cal 6.5
Also, the rifle measures 40″ long from end of stock to end of barrel.
The sling mounts are both fixed on the left side of the barrel.
There is no bayonet lug, but there is a 4″ indentation at the end of the stock for a folding bayonet.

My research shows this to be a Carcano model 91/38. But I’ve read those were manufactured only in 1940, while my rifle is dated 1941.

According to the Carcano guide above, the model 91/38 is 40 inches long, just like my rifle. My Carcano has every indication of being a 91/38 with the bayonet lug removed. The only reason I ask is because I thought all 91/38s were made in 1940 while mine is dated 1941.

I have a 1896 manufactured by Brescia model 91/24 conversion to a TS. It has the long rear sight but there is no bayonet lug. It looks as if there never was one? Where there rifles made purposefully this way?

I’m just wondering what the going rate is for a 91/38 rechambered by the germans for 7.92. I recently acquired one as an impulse buy and I want to verify I didnt overspend on it. I can provide more details about all the markings and such once i get home from work. It does have the S stamped on it as well as the caliber. Thank you in advance!

Hello all, I bought myself a carcano carbine yesterday at a gun show and sort of identified it as a TS though there are questionably parts to the gun. I’m hoping that someone here will be able to shed some light on what exactly I’ve gotten myself into!

Looks like a TS with updated bayonet lug. Someone seems to have fit a flash hider and I have not heard of one ever being applied. The barrel does have a step just there so it is likely just pressed on.

I recently bought a Carcano 6.5. It has R.E. Terni stamped on the barrel, along with SA in a square. I understand that means it was issued to the Finnish Army. On the left side of the barrel is the serial number N2686. Above that is the date 1895. On the right side of the barrel is the date 1939 along with the roman numeral XVII. It also has the trap door on the butt stock. The rifle is 40 inches long overall, so I think its a short. Was this weapon manufactured in 1895 and re-stamped in 1939 when it was issued to the Finns. And what would the 17 in roman numerals mean. The rifle has been modified. The stock shortened and rear sight removed for some unknown reason. A homemade fashioned peep sight was added to the left side at the breach so it gets in the way of loading a clip. Not sure what someone was thinking there. Any information would be helpful. Thanks

I’ve been looking everywhere to find out what model Carcano I have. I read this, I have the Skennerton handbook on Carcanos… Mine is definitely a 1939 year rifle. The only problem is that with all of the illustrations that I have seen, not one of them looks like the 7.35 that I have. It has the hand grips on the stock like the Short model; but the stock doesn’t extend along the barrel anymore than 8 inches from the rear sight. Has only one barrel band at the very end of the stock, a piece of wood that looks like it’s blocking the hole for the cleaning rod… It just doesn’t look like any submodel I’ve read about. Is there any way you or anyone you may recommend can help me identify this Carcano?

My grandmother just handed down to me a carcano bolt action rifle however I’m having a hard time identifying it. I plan on getting it into a gunsmith to have it looked over however I’d like to ID it. Can I provide pictures and have you assist?

Hi guys, I’ve had this rifle stuffed away in the safe for MANY years and would like to find out exactly what it is, caliber, parts availability. It needs a magazine… at least that’s what the hole in the receiver bottom looks like it takes, and there’s a magazine release inside front of trigger guard. It’s approx. 50 1/2″ long. On top of the octagon looking receiver it has Terni and what looks like a double stamp of the word Ribata. To the side/above of Terni it has 1893. On the other side/below Terni it has OR-D, under that it has 1142, under that it has two small symbols. One is an oval with PG in it. The other is a Crown over some sort of crest I think. I find nothing anywhere else, no caliber or anything. So, I’d like to identify it, know it’s caliber, if there is a magazine available. I have photos and can send them to whoever can identify it if you’ll give me the email address.

1891 Long Rifle… Would that cartridge be a 6.5mm Carcano or is there another name for it? So if I’m searching for parts, I’d be looking for 1891 Carcano as my search? This rifle is the only one I have I know nothing about. I bought it many years ago, I think at a gun show, because it was clean and cheap and would make a cool wall hanger. Now I’m thinking I may want to check it out and shoot it if it’s safe. Thanks again!

Hello all,
I have a Model 1891 Cavalry Moschetto Modello 91 da Cavalleria, made in Brecia in 1934. The front sight was damaged by a previous owner. What is the height spec on the blade? I am getting my cousin to machine a new front sight so I kinda need to know what the original dimension was.
thanks

Gonna throw you a curve:
I have what, at first glance, appears to be a cavalry model but the overall length is only a fraction over 30″ The barrel is 13.5″ and is smoothbore. The serial # is 941-XIX. The length of the stock, from butt to sling swivel, is 21.5″ and the swing-out bayonet length is 11.5″ The 2-piece screw-together cleaning rod is still in the stock
I’ve heard the term “Moschetto Bailla (“Ba- E-La), that was used to train Italian children, but am unsure if that’s what I have. My father in law brought this back from Italy after the war and nobody even knew he had it until his passing 10 years ago. That’s when I got it.
If you want/need the other markings, just ask. It’s in very good condition as nobody messed with it for over 60 years. Sadly, what was left of the leather sling crumbled away and the brass buttons that held it together are gone.
Please let me know…

ok after posting yesterday and taking a hard look at this critter I have its just plane weird it has the look and lack of markings consistent with the Japanese carcano and the correct rear site however it has that manssler magazine and the bore is bigger than my other carcano and bigger than 6.5 jap and bigger than 7.7 jap its strange taking it by a friend who is a retired ordinance technissian to give it a look over and see what he thinks it is

From what I can tell I have a m91/28 terni. It has a few markings on the barrel. It has HK9272 stamped on the left side of barrel. And an oval on the right side with
Fare across the top
28 in the middle and
Terni across the bottom and 898 after it. Looking for as much information as I can get can anyone help.
Thank you in advance.

I have a what appears to be a Carcano bolt action short barrel rifle with the following markings: 42-XX
FNA-BRESCIA
RA09808
On the barrel along with an emblem above the letter R on the barrel.
RA09809 is also stamped on the stock.
Can you please help me identify this rifle?
Thank you.

Does ANYONE have an old Weaver Side Mount like the one Lee Harvey Oswald had that was mounted by Klein’s Department Store. I can’t find one anywhere??? It was a 1960s era Weaver Side Mount that Klein’s used to mount his cheap Ordinance Optics 4x Scope (made in Japan).

Someone could make a good deal of money by making a reproduction side mount for the Carcano with that big “X” in the steel! The same with the Ordinance Scope! Any help or a lead on running down this mount would be greatly appreciated!!! My email is gendoolittle@yahoo.com Just email me and I’ll send you my cell number so we can talk! Maybe YOU HAVE ONE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SELL???

Could someone help me identify my carcano? The guy i bought it from says its a 38 but has the sight range up to 2000 like a 1924 model 91/24? Could send pics. Also the stock has been cut down unfortunately

I have a RA67704 RNA-B I think it’s a 7.35 and it has no markings to indicate another caliber? Year of production would be greatly appreciated. The rifle has no import marks and along with bore are in almost mint condition.

I have a Beretta m38 6.5 carbine sn D35xx 1940 ,made in italy, and a folding bayonet A834xx that does not fit, the bayonet barrel ring is not tall enough,1/2″ short of fitting.the muzzle. Should these fit? Jim

have a mannlicher/carcano m91/38 it needs a follower spring for rear sight i`m not sure what size is needed i also need to know what kind of ammo it shoots the only 2 numbers on the rifle are 218142 on top near the the bolt and1339822 underneath near trigger gard would appreciate any help thanks

I have a Cacarno carbine, 6.5 on the rear sight code RM means Rubino Mario and location Bologna. I sent and got a trigger guard Assy. The clip holds 6 cartridges after when pushing the clip down to connect to the clip latch it connects but I cannot close the bolt bites the what might be wrong.

I have a model 38 Calvary carbine with the only markings being the serial number TW400 in front of the rear sight as well as the stock, the caliber 6.5 stamped in front of the rear sight and the number 2 stamped on top of the receiver as well. Can you tell me anything about it ? Thanks

I have received from my uncles estate, what i think is a model 91 Calvary carbine. Fixed rear sight, working swing bayonet, .65mm bore with the Serial # of TW2708.(on chamber and butt).
Can I tell the year/place of manufacture from the serial number?
There is no stamping of the year # or numerals that I can find.
Other markings include a circle with L inside on the safety; a crude 13 (the 1 inverted) on the bolt; Faint symbol on the butt (could be a 17 inside a circle)
The butt has a wedged shaped stock repair to the bottom (about 1.5″ x 4.5″) which looks like it was done professionally. There is also an engraved figure ‘Lp. P.’ on the chamber just to the rear of the serial #.

Thanks for any help you can provide. Also any suggestions on where to sell the piece. I am in Canada

I have a carcano but unsure exactly what. It has fat 42 with a crown, the numbers AA9191 on the reciever.also sat feat 68. Has a 2 stamped on the bolt.stock is about 12″ from the end of the barrel and the rear sight goes up to 1000 meters.the mark on the stock is half worn off.can you identify what this is? Thank you

Hello, I have a carnico carbine but I cant identify what type and while I think its chambered in 6.5 I dont know for sure, could i send you pictures and you help? The markings are terni, MM9991, 11, fare 98 terni, and some 5 point stars. It also appears to have not had a bayonet lug

To start off with this is a great site, a lot of information on the Carcano. I have a M91 Carbine SN YE 3039 with RE under it. Attached bayonet that slide locks under barrel, site are the flip up and move out of the way on top of the barrel that has a cutout for the site. I’ve looked on the net and appears to be in great shape and shoots good. Can you narrow down when it was made for my records. thanks.

Hello, I just acquired what looks to be a Model 1891 T.S. Moschetto Modello 91 per Truppe Speciali- on one side of the it is marked 1898- wondering if this is the first year of manufacture for this model? Missing the cleaning rod and bayonet- numbers on the stock and receiver match- Kind of a neat little rifle- can you provide info on where to possibly find parts and is this a first year non-infantry rifle?

I recently bought myself (I am pretty sure it is a Carcano). Model I do not know. On the barrel just after of the rear sight it has the following: 18 Cal 6,5 made Italy TERNI serial number AG6025. Can you help me out? R/Marty